Zoroastrianism Explained

Cogito・2 minutes read

Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion originating in Iran, has influenced major empires, migrated to India forming the Parsi community, and spread globally with core principles of truth and goodness. The religion revolves around the eternal battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu, with beliefs in judgment after death and the final apocalypse, influencing modern works and charitable endeavors.

Insights

  • Zoroastrianism, originating over 3,500 years ago in Iran with Zoroaster as its prophet, influenced major empires like the Parthian and Sasanian, showcasing its significant impact on ancient civilizations.
  • The Zoroastrian faith, centered on the eternal battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu, emphasizes the importance of good deeds for a favorable judgment after death, with its principles of Asha and the battle against evil resonating across global cultures and even inspiring modern works like George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire."

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Recent questions

  • What is the origin of Zoroastrianism?

    Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion that originated in Iran over 3,500 years ago with the prophet Zoroaster.

  • How did Zoroastrianism spread globally?

    Zoroastrianism spread globally through persecution, leading Zoroastrians to flee to India and form the Parsi community, now the largest Zoroastrian group worldwide.

  • What are the core principles of Zoroastrianism?

    The core principles of Zoroastrianism include Asha, representing truth and goodness, and the importance of good thoughts, words, and deeds in battling evil.

  • What is the significance of the Zoroastrian apocalypse?

    The Zoroastrian apocalypse, Frashokereti, foretells a final battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu, leading to eternal bliss.

  • How did Zoroastrianism influence other religions?

    Zoroastrianism influenced other religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through Cyrus the Great's religious tolerance and the core emphasis on good thoughts, words, and deeds.

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Summary

00:00

"Zoroastrianism: Ancient Religion of Good vs Evil"

  • Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion originating in Iran over 3,500 years ago with the prophet Zoroaster.
  • Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in Iran for over 1,000 years, influencing major empires like the Parthian and Sasanian.
  • Zoroastrian priests, known as the Magi, were revered for their knowledge, even appearing in the Bible visiting baby Jesus.
  • Persecution led to Zoroastrians fleeing to India, forming the Parsi community, now the largest Zoroastrian group globally.
  • Zoroastrians have spread worldwide, with notable communities in regions like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Zanzibar.
  • Zoroastrianism revolves around the eternal battle between Ahura Mazda, representing truth and goodness, and Angra Mainyu, symbolizing darkness and evil.
  • Zoroastrians believe in a judgment after death, where souls are weighed for good and bad deeds to determine their fate in heaven or hell.
  • Zoroastrians traditionally used Towers of Silence for body disposal, but modern methods like electric cremation are now common.
  • The Zoroastrian apocalypse, Frashokereti, foretells a final battle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu, leading to eternal bliss.
  • The core Zoroastrian principles include Asha, representing truth and goodness, and the importance of good thoughts, words, and deeds in battling evil.

13:49

Zoroastrianism's Influence on Religion and Literature

  • The Avesta, a sacred text of Zoroastrianism, was written on 12,000 goatskins in gold, with parts lost during various invasions of Iran. The text contains intriguing stories like hedgehogs serving Ahura Mazda and the consequences of killing an otter.
  • Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, displayed religious tolerance by liberating the Jews from Babylon, leading to Zoroastrian ideas influencing Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
  • Zoroastrianism, with its emphasis on good thoughts, words, and deeds, has influenced the beliefs of billions, including modern works like George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire." Tab For A Cause, a browser extension, supports charities by donating when users open new tabs, raising nearly $1 million for causes like the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
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